The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a crucial part of your knee. It helps stabilize and support your movements. However, this ligament is also prone to painful injuries that can prevent movement. An ACL tear is common in athletes and active individuals but can happen to anyone. Understanding the various ACL tear treatment options is vital for a successful recovery.
Here is more on this topic.
What Causes an ACL Tear
The ACL is a major ligament in your knee that connects your thigh to your shin.
This ligament stops the shin bone from going too far in front of your thigh bone. It also helps stabilize your knee when it rotates.
It is not unusual for active people to get an ACL tear. Sudden stops, changes in direction, or jumps can lead to a tear. Football, basketball, soccer, and skiing are some sports with a high risk of ACL injuries.
All sports involving the legs can cause an ACL tear, whether contact or non-contact.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options for ACL Tear
Not every ACL injury requires surgery. For those with partial tears or who have lower activity levels, non-surgical treatments can be quite effective.
These methods aim to reduce pain, decrease swelling, and help regain the knee’s normal function and stability. Understanding these treatment options can empower you to make informed decisions about your health and recovery.
Whether you opt for non-surgical methods or surgery, follow through with recommended therapies. This helps ensure the best possible outcome for your knee’s health.
Rest and Ice Therapy
The initial step in managing an ACL injury involves rest and icing. It is crucial to avoid putting stress on the injured leg. This means limiting movements that may further harm the knee.
Crutches can be used to avoid weight-bearing on the leg. Also, apply ice to the knee for 20 minutes every two hours. This can greatly minimize swelling and pain.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is pivotal in the non-surgical treatment of ACL injuries. A skilled physical therapist will create a custom exercise plan tailored to your specific needs.
These exercises are designed to strengthen the muscles around the knee. An additional benefit is that they increase your overall flexibility and stability. Stronger muscles around your knee can help provide support to the joint.
Sometimes, wearing a knee brace might be suggested to provide extra support during activities.
Managing Pain Effectively
Your comfort is also an important part of your recovery, so that means decreasing pain. Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen can help alleviate pain.
However, it is recommended to consult your doctor before starting any medication. You can visit a trusted sports injury clinic for personalized advice.
Non-surgical treatments can be very effective, but they demand dedication and patience to see results.
ACL Surgery
For those with full ACL tears or athletes aiming to return to high-intensity sports, surgery is often needed. An ACL surgery involves a tissue graft to repair and reconstruct the ligament.
The main goal of surgery is to restore the knee’s stability and function. Once your knee is stable again, you can go back to living an active lifestyle.
Understanding ACL Reconstruction
ACL reconstruction is the most common surgical procedure performed for severe tears. In this procedure, the surgeon replaces the damaged ligament with a graft.
This graft can either come from the patient’s own body (known as an autograft) or a donor (known as an allograft).
Your doctor might take a graft from your hamstring, thigh, or kneecap. You can rely on trusted ACL surgeons near you to learn more about the treatment.
Minimally Invasive Surgery
ACL surgery is typically done using arthroscopy. This technique involves making a small cut and using a camera to guide the surgeon.
The benefits of arthroscopic surgery include decreased pain. Patients who undergo it might also recover faster than if they opt for open surgery.
Post-Surgery Rehabilitation
After surgery, rehabilitation is key to a successful outcome. Physical therapy usually starts shortly after the procedure.
Physical therapy aims to help restore your range of motion, strength, and knee stability.
While recovery times can vary, most patients regain their desired activity levels within six to nine months.
Preventing Future ACL Injuries
Preventing future ACL injuries is vital for maintaining an active lifestyle. Do not skip exercises that strengthen your knees and legs. Focus on the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves.
Balance and agility training can improve coordination and reduce the risk of injury. Exercises like single-leg stands and lateral jumps are beneficial.
Warm-up and cool-down exercises can help prevent injury and pain.
Proper footwear is also essential for preventing injuries. Well-fitting and supportive shoes can help your knee. Replace worn-out shoes regularly.
Consider working with knee doctors near you. They can design a personalized exercise program that targets your specific needs. Education and awareness are key to preventing ACL injuries.
ACL Tear Treatment in Bismarck, ND
If you need ACL tear treatment, do not hesitate to contact The Bone & Joint Center. Our expert doctors, including Dr. Joseph W. Carlson, are here to help. We work with individuals of all activity levels and can ensure you will get a personalized treatment plan that works for you.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, call one of our 11 North Dakota offices at (701) 946-7400 or (866) 900-8650 or use our appointment request form.
We look forward to serving you!
